Jurassic Park Movies Franchise Overview
The Jurassic Park movies franchise is a series of science fiction adventure films based on Michael Crichton's novels. The series includes the original Jurassic Park trilogy and the Jurassic World trilogy, with a seventh film currently in development. The franchise is owned by Universal Pictures, a division of NBCUniversal, which is itself part of Comcast. The films are known for their pioneering use of computer-generated imagery and animatronics to depict dinosaurs, setting a benchmark for visual effects in Hollywood blockbusters.
The franchise has achieved significant commercial success, with the Jurassic World trilogy alone grossing over $3.5 billion worldwide. The original Jurassic Park film was the first to use CGI extensively for living creatures, a technique that became an industry standard. The series is a key part of Universal's intellectual property portfolio, which also includes other major franchises like Fast & Furious and Despicable Me.
Jurassic World Trilogy and Production Details
The Jurassic World trilogy began with Jurassic World in 2015, directed by Colin Trevorrow. It was followed by Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom in 2018 and Jurassic World Dominion in 2022, directed by Gareth Edwards and Colin Trevorrow respectively. The trilogy features a mix of returning characters from the original films and a new generation of actors. The production budget for the first film was approximately $150 million, with subsequent sequels having similar or higher costs, reflecting the large-scale action sequences and creature effects.
Jurassic World Dominion, the latest released film in the trilogy, brought together characters from both the original Jurassic Park and Jurassic World series. The film was produced by Universal Pictures and The Kennedy/Marshall Company. The franchise's visual effects are handled by Industrial Light & Magic, a division of Lucasfilm, which has been responsible for the dinosaur creation and animation across all films.
Future of the Jurassic Park Movies Franchise
A new Jurassic Park movie is in development, with a new story and characters separate from the previous trilogies. The project is being overseen by Universal Pictures, with the original director Steven Spielberg serving as executive producer. The new film aims to explore a new era of the franchise while maintaining the core themes of genetic engineering and the relationship between humans and dinosaurs.
The ongoing development of new Jurassic Park movies demonstrates the enduring commercial value of the franchise. The series remains a cornerstone of Universal's blockbuster strategy, with its theme park attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood and Orlando generating significant revenue. The success of the films also supports a wide range of merchandise, video games, and immersive experiences, solidifying its position as one of the most profitable media franchises in history Forbes.